Youth Programs

BOC Summer Nordic Programs for Youth 12 & Up

Great opportunity for you to have fun with you teammates and other local
skiers, while building base fitness and comfort on skis. If you are new
to the program, it is very flexible with summer vacation schedules.
Every ability level is encouraged to participate. Details and registration form.

CPS After-School Nordic Program

For nearly forty years, the Bethel Outing Club has sponsored a free after-school ski program for 2nd thru 5th graders at Crescent Park Elementary School in Bethel. Started by Ginger Kelley of Bethel and supported by the school and equipment grants from BOC and the Bethel Rec Board, the program is designed for kids of all abilities and has a large focus on getting kids on Nordic skis who might not otherwise get a chance to ski. Skis, boots, poles, and instruction are provided. The 2nd and 3rd graders ski two afternoons a week and the 4th and 5th graders ski two other afternoons a week. The program runs from the first week in January through February, and if weather permits, into March. The groups are led by coaches from BOC and CPS, with the help of parent volunteers. They ski primarily from CPS to the Bethel Village Trails Center at the Bethel Inn, which for many years has generously provided trail access for free. Once or twice a year groups may ski on other trail systems like: Carter’s Cross-Country Ski Center, Pine Hill at Gould Academy and Telstar Middle/High School. The primary goal of the program is to enable kids to have fun, outside on skis, during the beautiful Maine winters. For kids who want to ski more than the two days, the Bethel Outing Club assists them and their families with information about other skiing opportunities, such as the club’s Bill Koch program, which allows a greater range of skiing opportunities.

Nordic Athlete Event Grants

One of the central missions of the Bethel Outing Club is to support local Nordic skiers who ski as part of a local race program. In recognition that race registration fees and travel expenses can make it difficult for some athletes to pursue their goals at the highest levels of competition, the club will consider requests by individual athletes to help defray the costs of attending competitions and training camps. Candidates should complete and submit the Grant Application Form after reading the instructions and deadlines stated on the form